THE IMAGE AND THE ILLUSTRATED BOOK IN EUROPEAN EDUCATION

Author: Apostolos Karaoulas

ABSTRACT

The significance of images in education has evolved significantly over the centuries, with illustrated books playing a central role in enhancing learning and comprehension. Since the 16th century, the use of images in education has been intrinsically linked to their ability to facilitate understanding and enrich the learning experience. Images, combined with text, function not merely as decorative elements but as a multidimensional learning mechanism that enhances language, thinking, and the emotional development of students.

The historical evolution of illustrated books, from their early forms during the Enlightenment to the modern digital era, highlights the enduring and growing importance of images in the educational process. Digital tools, interactive visuals, and contemporary educational applications have elevated images into even more powerful learning tools, enabling students to interact actively with content, fostering their creativity, critical thinking, and deeper understanding.

This study focuses on a diachronic analysis of the role of images in education, tracing their use from the 16th century to the digital age. Historical examples and modern tools, such as digital books and interactive learning platforms, are examined to understand the evolution and ongoing importance of images in the educational process. Through a comparative approach to these examples, the study underscores the progression and current significance of images in education while exploring how they enhance learning and adapt to the needs of modern educational systems.

Keywords: Pedagogical value of images, Educational process, Teaching materials, Learning tools, Interactive learning

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